Palestinians in West Bank Stranded as Israel Closes Only International Crossing
Israel's decision to close the Allenby Bridge crossing, the only international border between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and neighboring Jordan, has left over two million Palestinians stranded and unable to access the outside world. The closure, which began on Wednesday morning, was announced by the Israeli airports authority without providing a reason.
According to Reuters, the closure is indefinite and has been ordered by Israel's "political leadership." This move has caused widespread disruption for Palestinians in the West Bank who were planning trips abroad, as well as those who are currently abroad and unable to travel home. The Allenby Bridge crossing is a critical lifeline for Palestinians, with thousands of people passing through it every day.
The closure comes just days after two Israeli military personnel were shot dead near the crossing by a Jordanian gunman. While Israel has not provided a reason for the closure, experts speculate that it may be related to security concerns following the incident. "This is a significant escalation in restrictions on Palestinian movement," said a spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority. "We urge Israel to reconsider its decision and allow Palestinians to travel freely."
The Allenby Bridge crossing is one of the few remaining connections between the West Bank and the outside world, with many other borders closed due to Israeli military occupation. The closure has sparked concerns about the humanitarian impact on Palestinians who rely on international aid and medical treatment.
According to a statement from the Israeli airports authority, the closure will remain in place until further notice. "We understand that this decision may cause inconvenience for some travelers, but we must prioritize security," said an official spokesperson.
The Palestinian Authority has called on Israel to reconsider its decision and allow Palestinians to travel freely. The international community has also expressed concern about the impact of the closure on humanitarian aid and medical treatment for Palestinians.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear when or if the Allenby Bridge crossing will reopen. For now, thousands of Palestinians remain stranded, unable to access the outside world due to Israel's decision to close its only international border.
Attribution:
Reuters: "Israel closes only international crossing between West Bank and Jordan"
Palestinian Authority spokesperson: interview
Israeli airports authority official: statement
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BBC World.
